The Georgia Public Service Commission will hold the final round of public hearings on the Atmos Energy Corp.’s request for an increase in base rates beginning at 10 a.m. today.

Atmos, the major provider of natural gas service in the Gainesville area, is seeking to decouple its fixed costs from the cost of natural gas. Under the proposal, residential customers would see their monthly service charge increase from $7 to $13, while small-business users would see their service charge go from $12 to $20.

The hearings are scheduled to continue if needed on Thursday.

The public is invited to make their views known. The commission will hear public witnesses at the beginning of each day, but will try to accommodate public witnesses throughout the day.

Following any public witnesses, Atmos will present its rebuttal testimony.

The commission is scheduled to make a final decision in this case at a special administrative session on Sept. 17. Any new rates would take effect Sept. 21.

The hearings will be held at The Georgia Mountains Center, 301 Main St., Gainesville.